I can give you more pointers at one of the decorating classes I teach at Pottery Barn. Lots of great tips and hands-on advice from me and wonderful associates at the store!
I am so excited for all the amazing color coming out in fashion and furniture stores! Yellow is such an optimistic color, you can’t help but smile when wearing it or seeing it as an accent piece in your home. It is also a very vital reminder that warm weather is almost here!
So, use these photos and objects as inspirations for a very cheery 2011 outlook!
A key part of making your house a home is developing your signature style. This is similar to developing a fashion style. We all see trends come and go but over time we learn which styles flatter our figures and mirror our personalities.
Creating an inspiration collage is something I encourage people to do, even when not working with a designer. It is important to gather images of rooms, furniture, colors, accessories that you love and edit to help shape your vision. As you move forward in purchases for your home, this collage will serve as a blueprint for your style.
I have a framed corkboard that I change out periodically to reflect my focus at any given time. I’m starting fresh in several aspects of my life and this is my inspiration at the moment.
I rearranged some accessories in my apartment as well as pulled new concept photos for my board. This is always an easy trick to reinvent bookshelves, coffee tables, etc. Moving things into different rooms gives your accessories and photos new perspective and saves money!
Here are my inspirations at the moment…
I love flowers: real, fake or in photos. It is too expensive to get fresh flowers, so I settle for realistic-looking fake versions. Love these from Pottery Barn!
I love looking at photos of my close friends & family, especially my sister Tabs. I have lots of framed pictures of the two of us all over my apt. She’s my best friend; can’t imagine my life without her!
I also adore my Patch NYC butterfly plate from West Elm. It is such a cute shaped platter and the free-hand feel of the butterfly sketch is simply beautiful.
Inspiring poems and quotes are included in my collage along with photos of places I would like to live someday. Outdoor spaces are especially inspirational to me; I love watching nature. The photo of the crystal chandeliers over the simple vases of tulips shows creative balance. The Prada sunglasses ad in the center represents how I would like to be perceived: a juxtaposition of an intense & playful spirit.
As I pass by this space, I feel uplifted and hopeful. I hope you enjoy making your own inspiration collage!
So, as a little girl I looked forward to Easter and being able to wear a pretty spring dress, white hat, lace socks and carry a patent leather purse. How much fun! Don’t you think your living room looks forward to a little “Easter” update as well?
Here are some of my favorite spring items to add a bit of “bonnet” to your pad!